A multi-year economic integration plan to strengthen the Arab Israeli community was agreed to in a meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held with members of the Joint Arab List Knesset faction.
Arab Israeli leaders welcome Netanyahu’s economic integration plan
H/T EIPA
The plan, which will be launched in 30 days, will lead to the investment of some NIS 900 million (($230 million) to promote economic integration, reduce gaps in Arab society and foster structural changes within Arab local councils.
On top of that, another 350 million shekels ($89 million), spread out over five years, will be awarded to “outstanding local councils.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the goal is to “create economic growth engines that will lead to increased revenues. The plan is also designed to encourage organizational change in the local councils by increasing efficiency and filling essential positions.”
Another 135 million will be invested into “advancing plans for informal education in Arab councils including community centres, nature centres and youth movements,” while 150 million will be put into “strengthening personal security in Arab communities by means of police installations, city-without-violence programs and assigning police personnel.”
Commenting on the plan, Netanyahu said: “I am the Prime Minister of all citizens of Israel. The assistance plan that we decided on today is a significant rectification and an additional step designed to integrate the Arab citizens of Israel into Israeli society as equals among equals”.
On his Facebook page, Ayman Odeh, leader of the Joint Arab List in the Knesset, called the plan “an important step”. A source from the Joint Arab List said following the meeting that “we have proven that we are pragmatists, and that despite the disagreements we are capable of cooperating in a way that will improve the quality of life in the Arab sector.”
Arab Israeli leaders welcome Netanyahu’s economic integration plan
